Lady Drovers honor former player

The Lady Drover softball team honored former teammate and All-American Leslie Beaty at Thursday afternoon’s doubleheader against Lubbock Christian.

Beaty, from Washington, played for the Drovers for three seasons and was named First Team All-American in 2009.

“When I found out, I was pretty ecstatic,” Beaty said of being named an NAIA All-American. “I was really excited because it was something I’d wanted.”

Head Coach Jennifer White-Cody said she thought Beaty deserved to be properly recognized for her national honor.

“We chose to honor her because obviously making All-American in any conference is a great accomplishment and should be recognized.”

Beaty leads the university in home runs hit in a single season after batting nine over the fence last year. In 2009, she averaged .438 and batted 45 runners in, both of which are second highest in school history.

Beaty also comes in third at USAO with runs scored in a single season after scoring 46 for USAO in 2009. During her three-year career as a Drover, Beaty had 155 hits and scored 99 runs. She averaged .383 at bat and had a total fielding percentage of .921, having played catcher in 2007 and shortstop the following two years.

“She was a competitor,” Cody said. “Obviously that’s what got her to be All-American status.”

Coming back to her alma mater to watch the team play gave Beaty mixed feelings on Thursday, she said.

“It was kind of bittersweet because I’m not playing anymore,” she said. She is the daughter of Otis and Marcia Beaty, of Washington.